How to delete locked files in Windows (Part 2)

Automatically deleting undeletable files

…following on from Part 1 where we discussed the process by which you can delete ‘undeletable’ files manually, here we will discuss the automatic method, using a couple of super little freeware products.

If you don’t feel confident enough to use DOS and cmd prompts then there are several programs on the market both freeware and licensed that perform these deletion processes automatically. We won’t discuss the licensed ones here simply because there are free ones that do just the job.

Freeware Product 1 - Unlocker

Unlocker is a freeware program that runs from the right click menu. It is very simple to use and has worked without exception in my experience.

1. To delete a file simply right click on the file you are having problems deleting and click ‘Unlocker’.

2. The Unlocker application will launch. If the file requires a process to be killed before it can be deleted, then the following dialogue box will be displayed:

3. Simply click Unlock all and a further dialogue will be displayed asking for an ‘action’ to be performed. Choose Delete and click OK.

The Unlocker application will confirm the deletion has taken place.

The Unlocker program has closed down any programs preventing the file from being ‘actioned’ (deleted), and has deleted the file. Its as simple as that.

Freeware Product 2 - Remove on Reboot Shell Extension

Remove on Reboot Shell Extension is another program which works from the right click menu. However it is a file specific program and does not work from folders (i.e. you have to be in the actual file itself for the right click menu option to appear).

1. With this tool simply navigate to the file you wish to delete.

2. Choose Remove on Next Reboot and the program will display the following message.

3. Click Yes and the file will be deleted ONCE YOU RESTART YOUR COMPUTER.

There is no conflict with programs holding the files permissions in this regard, because the ‘Remove on Reboot’ program deletes the file at reboot, i.e prior to any processes starting up.

Both programs are very slick and as you can see, extremely simple to use. I have yet to be foiled by a file that cannot be deleted with either of these programs, and are spyware/adware free.

This is a guest post by Neil Henry, a technology enthusiast.